​Spectacles used to serve one purpose and one purpose only – to help us see more clearly. People would simply have an eye test then choose glasses from a limited range of colours and styles. Then we became more fashion conscious. The 1960’s gave us Twiggy. Fashion designers like Mary Quant were pop-cultural icons and, as visual media became more widespread we adopted the styles of our favourite movie stars and celebrities. Jackie Kennedy (Onassis), Steve McQueen and Audrey Hepburn wore the coolest shades. Michael Caine and Peter Sellers, along with artists such as Andy Warhol made spectacles an integral component of the fashion ensemble and so it began. Each celebrity had a different look and their favourite brands. With individuality in mind, Spectacles Direct Edinburgh looks at four very different spectacle manufacturers, so you can choose the perfect designer spectacles brand for your style and personality.​

Tom Ford​Supercool Tom Ford eyewear reminds us of Hollywood in its heyday. The brand logo – a capital ‘T’ - is discreet. Male fans include Brad Pitt, Daniel Craig (both as James Bond and as himself), and George Clooney – a modern-day Cary Grant. Female devotees include Lady GaGa and Angelina Jolie which demonstrates the broad appeal and eclectic design of the brand with one thing in common – a design which oozes luxury. ​

​​Silhouette

Silhouette has become the buzz spectacles brand of the minute. Born in the 60’s it is now the leading light-spectacles brand worldwide. Specialising in rimless frames, Silhouette glasses are also screw-less and hinge-less – the result of being commissioned by NASA to produce the lightest yet strongest spectacles available; although it isn’t just astronauts who wear them. Because of their vast range of colours, lens shapes and frame designs, Silhouette is truly a bespoke spectacles brand which is why they’re worn by artists such as Cate Blanchett and prominent leaders in their fields across the globe. ​

​Oakley​Oakley is the preferred choice for millions of sportspeople worldwide. However, the company doesn’t make excellent quality sunglasses for extreme sports. Oakley also produce optical glasses for everyday use. The most recent innovation has been the Oakley Crosslink range. Using groundbreaking technology you can now own one pair of Oakley glasses with interchangeable prescription lenses and change the colour of the legs to suit your look or activity – a more ‘refined’ colour for work and a bolder style to reflect your personality in your personal life. Check out the company video on Crosslink and prepare to be amazed. ​

Mad in Italy​Quirky, kooky, fun and completely out there, are just some of the descriptions that could be applied to Italian spectacles designer brand Mad in Italy. Not so much simply glasses as works of art, Mad In Italy brings out the creative spirit in all of us. ​

​All the designer spectacles brands at Spectacles Direct Edinburgh can be paired with Zeiss, Nikon, Hoya and Essilor Varilux prescription lenses. For more details contact us here to find out more, or to book an appointment.